Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Getting Ready for Holiday Happenings!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating the holidays in a new way this year! The Partnership is organizing a multiple-day celebration called Holiday Happenings, Dec. 6 through Dec. 9. The event will offer a variety of children and family activities, while affording businesses more opportunities to participate. In addition to new events, the most popular and traditional holiday events will continue to be offered during Holiday Happenings, including the Christmas Tree Lighting, gingerbread cookies at Dean Bank, Santa at Simon’s Furniture, Mrs. Claus at the Franklin Historical Museum, and Touch-a-Truck at the Franklin Fire Department.

“It's exciting to see more than 25 Holiday Happening events taking place throughout the town of Franklin,” said Pandora Carlucci, co-chair of Holiday Happenings. “The new four-day format is focused on providing scheduling flexibility making it possible for more people and businesses to participate.”
Families can enjoy visiting businesses throughout Franklin. Jamie Barrett will be doing a sing-along, there will be plenty of hot cocoa, gift shopping, wine tasting, and opportunities to meet Clara from Nutcracker, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, and everyone’s favorite jolly old elf, Santa Claus. 

"Holiday Happenings will take on a different format this year,” said Roberta Trahan, co-chair of Holiday Happenings. “Extending from Small Business Saturday through New Year’s Eve, we are focusing on a calendar which will include many offerings at local businesses for residents to enjoy.”
In addition to the signature events Dec. 6 to Dec. 9, the FDP will have an online calendar featuring events at local businesses taking place throughout the holiday season. Participating businesses are located in downtown Franklin, as well as in the larger Franklin community.

"The FDP has over 250 business members and many of them are outside the downtown area so we wanted to organize an event that included them,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “This event will offer residents even more opportunities to shop local.”

View the schedule of events during Holiday Happenings Dec. 6 - Dec. 9 in brochure format or list format. You can also view an entire month of holiday events in the full calendar.


Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Decking the Halls

Thank you to all the Franklin Downtown Partnership businesses for their support and to all the volunteers who helped decorate downtown Franklin!

Special thanks to the Franklin DPW for going above and beyond!

Thank You to the Holiday Decorating Sponsors!

This holiday decorating event was made possible by the following Beautification sponsors.

GOLD SPONSORS
D.G. Ranieri Real Estate and Eileen Mason of RE/MAX Executive Realty

SILVER SPONSORS
Atria Franklin, Auerr, Zajac & Associates, Middlesex Savings Bank, Nerds to Go, Oteri Funeral Home, Inc., Roche and Roche PC., Tom Fricker Complete Heating & Cooling, LLC, and Vet Med Pet Supplies

BRONZE SPONSORS
Draper & Kramer Mortgage Corp., Flynn|Wirkus|Young, John Fenton, CFP., and Teen Revolution









Friday, November 16, 2018

Holiday Happenings Schedule

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has organized four days of fun events throughout the Franklin area December 6 through December 9!

Take a look at the entire schedule in list format or brochure format

Holiday Happenings is made possibly through the generosity of local businesses. Thank you to these sponsors! 

Gold Sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College and Keefe Insurance.

Silver Sponsors: Berry Insurance, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, DCU, Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C., Fenton Financial Group, Franklin Ford, Franklin Historical Museum and Cultural District, La Cantina Winery, Matt Kelly Homes, and Middlesex Savings Bank.

Bronze Sponsors: Glen Meadow Apartments, Liberty Tax Service, Rescom Exteriors, Simon’s Furniture, Tom Fricker Complete Heating & Cooling, LLC, and Vallee’s Jewelers.



Thursday, November 15, 2018

Volunteers Needed for Holiday Decorating

Adult volunteers are needed for holiday decorating on Sunday, Nov. 18. Volunteers are needed to help install wreaths, bows and greenery, or supervise teen volunteers. 

Volunteers will meet us on Sunday at the downtown bridges at 9 a.m. Please contact Lisa if you are available to volunteer. 

IMPORTANT: If you have a planter in front of your storefront, please remove flowers to make room for holiday greens this weekend.



Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Networking Breakfast Nov. 16

Start your day with other FDP members at our Networking Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 16 at 8 a.m. We'll meet at the Dean College Dining Center on the first floor of the Campus Center. Please email Matt to let him know you're attending or if you have any questions.



Thursday, November 1, 2018

Holiday Happenings: Downtown Franklin and Beyond


Deadline to Register November 8

In an effort to accommodate the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s (FDP) growing membership and to offer a safe and enjoyable holiday experience for the Franklin community, the FDP is pleased to announce a new initiative: Holiday Happenings Weekend: December 6, 7, 8 & 9. Additionally, the FDP will have an online calendar featuring Holiday events from Small Business Saturday (November 24) to New Year’s Eve (December 31).

What do businesses/organizations need to do to participate?
  • Each business/organization 
  • Identifies its event and selects date and time that works best for them
  • during the 4-day Holiday Happenings weekend 
  • Completes the registration form and sends it to FDP by November 8
  • Hosts the event



Downtown Partnership, Garden Club to Decorate for Holidays


The Franklin Downtown Partnership will team up with the Franklin Garden Club to decorate the downtown on Sunday, Nov. 18. Volunteers are needed to help install wreaths, bows and greenery. 

Interested volunteers will meet Beautification Chairperson Eileen Mason at 9 a.m. on Nov. 18 at the downtown bridges. Community service hours are available for students; groups and teams are encouraged to participate. Help is also needed on Saturday, Nov. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. at Hillside Nurseries to sort greens. 

“We look forward to making the downtown festive and holiday-ready every year,” Mason said. “We’re a 100% volunteer group and only able to take on these projects with a lot of help from the community including your time and sponsorships. Special thanks go to Hillside Nurseries for sourcing the greens, wreaths and decorations. Thanks to the Franklin DPW team for their support as well. Happy and safe holidays to all!”

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to this event can contact Mason at emason4234@gmail.com. Sponsorship information is also available on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.


Saturday, October 27, 2018

FDP General Meeting November 1

Please make plans to join us Thursday, November 1 at 8:30 a.m. for the FDP general meeting. It will be held in the Dean College Campus Center, Campanella Room (across from the Dining Center). 


Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Networking Breakfast Friday, October 19

Start your day with a hot cup of coffee or a tasty breakfast with other Franklin Downtown Partnership members at our next Networking Breakfast on Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. We'll meet at the Dean College Dining Center on the first floor of the Campus Center. We'd love to see even more FDP members take advantage of this networking opportunity! Please RSVP to Matt or email him with any questions.



Monday, October 15, 2018

Harvest Festival Welcomes Autumn in Franklin!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership's 16th annual Harvest Festival was the largest one yet! More than 160 vendors offered activities, food, entertainment, giveaways, and more to the thousands of people that flooded downtown!

Thank you to the Harvest Festival Committee, especially Event Chair Scott Martin, as well as the Bernon Family Branch YMCA for running the children's area.

We also very thankful for the help of these FDP members:
  • Beth Simon for managing the volunteers
  • Bryan Taberner, Roberta Trahan, Pandora Carlucci, Kevin Johnson and Beth Wierling for all their help on the planning committee and during the event
Special thanks to Jen Hurst and Dean Bank for running the FDP food tent and to Michael Carroll at Dean Bank for coordinating the Dancing on Dean bands which were a huge addition to the Festival this year.

We are also grateful to:
  • Rockland Trust for the use of its parking lot
  • Intermissions for the use of its patio
  • The Franklin DPW, Police Department and Town Administration for all their support




The Harvest Festival would not be possible without sponsorships by area businesses. We truly appreciate the generosity of these sponsors:

Silver SponsorsDean Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, Rockland Trust



Bronze SponsorsAcadia Dental, Atria Franklin, Chestnut Dental Associates, DCU, Franklin Ford, Glen Meadow Apartments, Keefe Insurance, Orangetheory Fitness - Medway








Children's Area SponsorBernon Family Branch YMCA




Friends Sponsors
Beaux Regards Photographic Art, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Fenton Financial Group, Franklin Central Pizza, Franklin Cultural District, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center, Franklin Historical Museum, LeafFilter, MyFM 101.3, Renewal by Andersen, Rescom Exteriors, Simon’s Furniture, and Tom Fricker Complete Heating & Cooling, LLC.

See many more photos from the Harvest Festival on our Facebook page!

Friday, October 12, 2018

Harvest Festival Moved to Sunday, October 14!

Due to the rain that is forecasted for Saturday morning throughout the early afternoon, and the clear and sunny forecast for Sunday, the FDP Harvest Festival will move to its rain date on Sunday, October 14.
Please note that all other event logistics regarding set up times and booth locations will remain the same.
We hope that your schedule will still allow you to participate. If you are a vendor that has a schedule conflict that will prevent you from participating in the event, please contact Harvest Festival Chair Scott Martin.


Monday, October 1, 2018

Join Us at the Harvest Festival October 13!

16th annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival

Get ready for Franklin’s largest-ever fall festival at the 16th annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

Nearly 7,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Harvest Festival which will feature great local entertainment, kids’ activities, artisans and crafters, fall-themed giveaways, and delicious food from local restaurants. In case of rain, the Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday, October 14.

The event will be held on Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street in downtown Franklin, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank. This year, the always popular Harvest Festival promises to be the largest one-day event the Partnership has ever produced.  

More than 160 vendors, crafters, exhibitors and groups will participate in this celebration of the arrival of autumn! Main Street, and portions of Dean and Depot Streets, will be closed to vehicular traffic.



Thursday, September 13, 2018

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

FDP General Meeting September 6

Please mark your calendars to attend the next Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting on Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in Dean College Campus Center, Campanella Board Room. All members are welcome!



Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Harvest Festival Registration is Open!


Registration for booth space at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 16th annual Harvest Festival is now open! The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., on Main, West Central, Dean and Depot Streets in downtown Franklin. The rain date is Oct. 14. Organizers expect booth space for this event to sell out. Franklin Downtown Partnership members receive a booth for free; non-members pay $125. Downtown businesses must send in an application to ensure store-front space. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. Follow the registration link and pay online through the Donate” button on this page.


Harvest Festival Registration is Open!

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Kindness Rock Garden Installed in Downtown Franklin


Franklin’s new Kindness Rock Garden has been installed and is located on Main Street in downtown. The project is an extension of a popular national initiative called The Kindness Rocks Project that has a mission of promoting random acts of kindness to unsuspecting recipients by painting and dropping inspirational rocks.

The project was a community effort: Berry Insurance spearheaded the Kindness Rock Garden, Rockland Trust donated the space, Franklin Agway put down river stones and planted marigolds, and the Downtown Franklin Partnership facilitated the project. 

The project kicked off during the Partnership’s Strawberry Stroll in June when children and adults painted rocks at the Berry Insurance booth. 

“We’re excited to bring a dedicated Kindness Rock Garden to downtown Franklin, said Berry Insurance President Kaitlyn Pintarich. “Watching the residents paint rocks at the Strawberry Stroll was so rewarding – together we can help spread more kindness one rock at a time.”

Berry Insurance plans to continue to offer rocks and supplies for people looking to make them throughout the year and is also hoping to offer one or two “paint nights” a year for community members. 

Visitors are encouraged to visit the Kindness Rock Garden next to Rockland Trust, 58 Main St., Franklin. 

“Rockland Trust is excited to be part of the Kindness Rocks Project and invite all of Franklin to stop by the garden outside of our branch to see the wonderful designs and messages firsthand,” said Laurel Katsaros, Vice President of Retail at Rockland Trust and Franklin Branch Manager. “We take great pride in our community involvement and were delighted to participate in a program that emphasizes positivity and strengthening relationships with one another.”



Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Harvest Festival October 13


The Franklin Downtown Partnership is planning downtown Franklin’s Harvest Festival for Saturday, October 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In case of rain the event will take place on Sunday, October 14. 

Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for the event which will feature music, entertainers, delicious foods, crafts, give-aways, sidewalk sales and more. For the first time, the Harvest Festival will also host a Fall Craft Beer & Wine Tent. 

In mid-August, the Partnership will post a link to register online through the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. Booths are free to 2018 FDP business members and $125 for non-members. The registration deadline for participants is September 20. Downtown business owners need to send in a registration to secure store-front space. A late charge of $35 will be added to registration forms received after September 20, and no registrations will be accepted after September 30. Booth space is expected to sell-out prior to the deadline so businesses are encouraged to sign up during August if they want to secure a booth. 

“Traditionally, the Harvest Festival has been our biggest FDP event,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “We expect this year will also be incredibly popular and we’re excited to bring such a vibrant event to downtown Franklin.”

Sponsors are needed to help support the Harvest Festival. Sponsorship forms are posted on the FDP website. Alternatively, business owners can contact the FDP office. Questions about the Harvest Festival should be directed to Scott Martin, chair of the Harvest Festival, at fdpharvestfest@gmail.com.







Tuesday, June 12, 2018

FDP General Meeting June 14

Join us Thursday for the last FDP general meeting until September. The Campanella Room is located on the first floor of the Dean College Campus Center across from the Dining Center. 


Monday, June 11, 2018

2018 Strawberry Stroll


The 16th annual Strawberry Stroll was the best one ever! Thousands of people flooded Main Street in downtown Franklin to visit 100 vendors, and enjoy musical entertainment, activities, and of course, strawberry shortcake!




Thank you to the co-chairs of the Strawberry Stroll Committee Beth Wierling and Jen Hurst, as well as the many volunteers who donated their time and energy to make the event successful!



Many thanks to the Franklin DPW for their help in setting up this event and the Franklin Police Department for directing traffic and keeping everyone safe!

Also, thanks to the wonderful musicians who kept adults and children entertained throughout the evening!









The Strawberry Stroll would not be possible without sponsorships by area businesses. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of these sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor
Dean Bank




Gold Sponsor
Dean College


Silver Sponsors:
Atria-Franklin


Franklin Cultural Council
Keefe Insurance


Bronze Sponsors:
Chestnut Dental


DCU


Franklin Ford
Glen Meadow Apartments


Middlesex Savings Bank
Teen Revolution



Friends Sponsors:
Franklin Central Pizza
Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center


Renewal by Andersen


Tom Fricker Heating & A/C, Inc.

See many more photos on our Facebook page! View the 2018 Strawberry Stroll photo album